Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that cognitive function improves during a single bout of moderate exercise. In contrast, exercise under hypoxia may compromise the availability of oxygen. Given that brain function and tissue integrity are dependent on a continuous and sufficient oxygen supply, exercise under hypoxia may impair cognitive function. However, it remains unclear how exercise under hypoxia affects cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise under different levels of hypoxia on cognitive function. Twelve participants performed a cognitive task at rest and during exercise at various fractions of inspired oxygen (FIO2: 0.209, 0.18, and 0.15). Exercise intensity corresponded to 60% of peak oxygen uptake under normoxia. The participants performed a Go/No‐Go task requiring executive control. Cognitive function was evaluated using the speed of response (reaction time) and response accuracy. We monitored pulse oximetric saturation (SpO2) and cerebral oxygenation to assess oxygen availability. SpO2 and cerebral oxygenation progressively decreased during exercise as the FIO2 level decreased. However, the reaction time in the Go‐trial significantly decreased during moderate exercise under normoxia and hypoxia. Hypoxia did not affect reaction time. Neither exercise nor difference in FIO2 level affected response accuracy. These results suggest that acute exercise improves cognitive function, and that hypoxia has no effects on cognitive function at least under the present experimental condition. We received no financial support for this study.
Highlights
Many sports are performed in a dynamic and ever-changing environment
Heart rate (HR) was higher during exercise under hypoxia at 15% O2 compared with normoxia and hypoxia at 18% O2 (P,0.001, respectively)
ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) was greater during exercise under hypoxia at 15% O2 compared with normoxia (P,0.001) and hypoxia at 18% O2 (P,0.01)
Summary
Many sports are performed in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Players have to make optimal decisions as quickly as possible under conditions of physiological stress. Cognitive function is an important determinant of performance, and highlevel cognitive abilities are required during exercise. A number of studies have demonstrated that cognitive function improves during a single bout of moderate exercise [1,2]. These findings suggest that physiological changes induced by acute exercise have the potential to improve cognitive function. The specific mechanisms by which exercise affects cognitive function remain largely unclear
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